Delhi’s air quality reaches poor category – people are having trouble breathing
Delhi’s air quality dropped to the ‘poor’ category ,though it improved later. As the air quality is again in the ‘poor’ category, all concerned need to expedite action under Phase-A of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
It is for this reason that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reiterated the instructions to the Central and State Governments of NCR to strictly implement the action under Phase-A of GRAP. This directive has been reiterated keeping in view the air quality of the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. The CAQM also urged citizens to assist for overall air quality.
Continuing with its intensive efforts to improve the air quality and reduce pollution of the National Capital Region (NCR), the Sub-Committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas has been constituted to reduce air pollution. Reviewing the measures taken.
Simultaneously, IMD is closely monitoring the air quality parameters in NCR as per the meteorological forecasts provided by IITM and the air quality ‘poor’ category index.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the sub-committee set up to take action under GRAP, in its meeting held on 5 October 2022, in its meeting held on 5 October 2022, phase-1- ‘poor’ air quality (Delhi AQI between 201-300) – It was decided to implement all the actions envisaged under the The order to take action under Phase-I of Group ‘Poor’ Air Quality (Delhi AQI between 201-300) was accordingly issued on 5 October 2022 and is still in force.
As per the revised GRAP, the 24-point action plan as per Phase 1 of GRAP is already effective from 5 October 2022 across NCR. In this 24-point action plan, to stop construction and demolition activities in plots of size equal to or more than 500 sqm, which are not registered on the ‘web portal’ of the respective NCR state government, dust mitigation of waste generated from construction and demolition. Proper implementation of measures and guidelines relating to environmentally friendly sound management, regular lifting of solid wastes (MSWs), construction and demolition wastes and hazardous wastes by the Municipal Corporation from dedicated dump sites, periodic mechanized cleaning of roads or water sprinkling, use of anti-smog guns at C&D sites, ban on open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste, strict monitoring and enforcement of PUC norms, non-use of DG sets as regular source of power supply Steps like stricter restrictions, use of only approved fuels in industrial areas, etc.
In addition, various agencies responsible for implementing the measures under GRAP and State Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR and DPCC have been informed to ensure strict implementation of the phased action under GRAP. PLC/GT
